Pennsylvania now has 103 Energy Star-qualified buildings represent approximately 15.7 million square feet of space that save an estimated $1.5 billion annually in lower energy bills, while meeting industry standards for comfort and indoor air quality.

These buildings also prevent 497.6 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to the emissions from more than 41,348 vehicles.

A complete list of buildings is available online.

Finding energy efficient schools, supermarkets, offices, and other facilities throughout the country has become even easier for Americans interested in being green. Now they can find the Energy Star not only where they live but where they work, shop, play and learn.

The number of commercial buildings and manufacturing plants to earn the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star for superior energy efficiency is up by more than 25 percent in the past year, and the amount of carbon dioxide emissions reduced has reached an all-time high of more than 25 billion pounds.

Across the U.S., 4,056 office buildings, schools, hospitals, and public buildings, representing 746.6 million square feet, have earned EPA’s Energy Star for superior energy and environmental performance, including 1,400 in 2007 alone.

These buildings are saving an estimated $1.5 billion annually in lower energy bills, as Energy Star-qualified buildings use up to 40 percent less energy than typical buildings, while providing the required comfort and services.

“By partnering with EPA, building owners are realizing that they can reduce energy costs without sacrificing comfort or tenant satisfaction,” said EPA Regional Administrator Donald S. Welsh. “Energy Star building owners in Pennsylvania are to be congratulated for taking an important leadership step.”

Buildings earn the Energy Star based on EPA’s energy performance rating system. These buildings must score a 75 or better (on a scale from 1-100) based on their actual energy use, and also meet industry standards for comfort and indoor air quality. The average score for Energy Star labeled buildings in 2007 is 84.

Buildings that earn the prestigious Energy Star use one-third less energy than other buildings. Among the top performers nationally are 1,500 office buildings, 1,300 supermarkets, 820 K-12 public schools and 250 hotels. Also, more than 185 banks, financial centers, hospitals, courthouses, warehouses, dormitories, and - for the first time - big-box retail buildings earned the Energy Star. More than 35 manufacturing plants such as cement, auto assembly, corn refining, and - for the first time - petroleum refining are also being recognized.

With interest in energy efficiency growing, Energy Star offers easy-to-use tools and guidelines that can help building owners and managers in the U.S. realize significant energy and dollar savings.

For more information, visit the Energy Star webpage.

2/15/2008